Osteoporosis Awareness Month: What’s Your Bone Health IQ?

May 28, 2013

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month! What’s Your Bone Health IQ? Take the Quiz!

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to fracture. Usually the bone loses density, which measures the amount of calcium and minerals in the bone.-National Library of Medicine

1. True or False:  It is possible to have osteoporosis and not be aware of it.
2. True or False:  Being obese or overweight increases your risk for osteoporosis.
3. True or False:  Osteoporosis is more common in men than in women.
4. True or False:  You cannot improve your bone health after the age of 35.
5. True or False:  Osteoporosis can affect anyone at any age.
6. True or False:  A bone density test takes approximately one hour to complete.
7. True or False:  Individuals who exercise excessively can be at risk for osteoporosis.

Bone Health IQ Answers

1. True.  You can have osteoporosis and not even know it.  Osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease" as it sometimes does not present any signs or symptoms.
2. False.  Being obese or overweight does not increase your risk for having osteoporosis.
3. False.  Osteoporosis is more common in women than men but studies show that men tend to have more serious complications of the disease.
4. False.  You can help to improve your bone health at any age through diet and exercise.
5. True.  People of all ages can develop osteoporosis.
6. False.  A bone density test takes about 15 or 20 minutes to complete.
7. True.   Excessive exercise that results in extreme weight loss can put one at risk for osteoporosis.

5 Tips for healthy bones:

1.  Eat calcium-rich foods
2.  Take calcium supplements
3.  Get plenty of vitamin D
4.  Exercise
5.  Incorporate healthy amounts of vitamin K into your diet

 

---